HADRON Axiom

by Stephen Arseneault

  Jane said, “I’ll take you in the Jeep as far as the river. You can walk in from there. Give us three days and we’ll put an extra stash of food under our end of the bridge. If you end up having to eat their food for some reason, just get up and leave immediately after. One helping won’t turn you, but several will.”

  Jasper raised a hand to get in a word. “Tres and Vanessa were acting all funny a day after the new food arrived. So as Jane says, watch yourself if you have to eat it.”

  Johnny grinned. “Well, didn’t know the old man cared so much.”

  Jasper scowled. “I don’t.”

  Johnny was dropped at the far end of the bridge. Jane and Mace returned to the ridge on their side of the river to observe. As they settled into their usual spot, footsteps could be heard coming through the leaves behind them.

  Jasper squatted down, wearing his exosuit. “Sorry, I just felt like taking a little run. What’s happened so far?”

  Mace asked, “You ran the whole way here with that suit?”

  Jasper nodded, “Yeah, with this thing I can haul ass. I don’t know what it does to my joints but they’ve never felt better. Just wish that would last. I take this contraption off and within a couple hours I’m right back where I was.”

  Jane said, “Guys, he’s almost to the building. He’s walking up to a Mawga. Still smiling, so everything must be OK.”

  Johnny was guided to a place where he could stow his pack. His next stop was to be fitted with an exosuit.

  Mace said, “They don’t waste any time, do they?”

  Jane pointed, “See over by the old post office building? The two guys standing there? I think those are two of the drunks we’ve seen stumbling around town.”

  Jasper looked through a pair of binoculars. “They don’t look so drunk right now. In fact, they look kind of angry.”

  Mace looked over at Jasper. “The Mawga already know you have that suit. Maybe it’s time we put it to good use.”

  Jasper asked, “What’d you have in mind?”

  Mace pointed back at the Jeep. “We have two gallons of shine back in the car. I think it’s time you paid a visit to our two friends. Sort of a peace offering. See what they can tell you about the going’s on around there. They should be more than happy with that trade. And find out what they’ve been eating. If it’s the Mawga food, Jeff’s reasoning about the alcohol might be right.”

  Jasper sprinted back through the woods toward the Jeep, moving nimbly like a northern buck. A minute later they saw him crossing the bridge into town. He slowed to a walk as he approached the two men. The expressions on their faces told of their desire for the moonshine surprise.

  Several drinks were taken. Smiles and laughs were exchanged. When Jasper gestured toward the Mawga and the immense building that was under construction, the expressions on the men’s faces returned to their prior scowls. Jasper began to talk and the men replied, repeatedly pointing at the Mawga taskmaster and spitting.

  After a number a swigs, the angry looks turned to expressions of joking and laughter. Jasper glanced up at the observation point shaking his head. Whatever information the men had been giving had come to an end. They were once again the happy town drunks and were of no further use. Jasper thanked the men, turned and sprinted back toward the bridge. Two Mawga taskmasters watched as he ran.

  Jane turned her attention to her husband. “Here comes Johnny, but they only have half an exosuit on him.”

  Mace looked through his binoculars. “Might be that long upper torso he’s got. They might be having to make him a special suit.”

  Jane smirked. “Wouldn’t be the first time. Practically every article of clothing I’ve bought for him has been tailor-made. I’ve already been having thoughts about what I’m going to have to do for him in a few years when his current clothes are worn out.”

  Mace half smiled. “I think that might be an issue for all of us. They aren’t making clothes anymore, you know.”

  Jane sat down her binoculars as she looked down at the camouflaged shirt she was wearing. “Guess I hadn’t even thought about it like that.”

  The binoculars returned to her eyes. “Guess we’ll be back to animal furs in a few years, huh?”

  Mace shook his head as he smiled and watched the happenings in the town. “Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that.”

  Jane smirked. “I don’t know, I think you could pull off a good buckskin shirt and pants. Might give you a kind of Davy Crockett vibe. Would make you a real mountain man with that beard.”

  Mace sighed. “You know, the thought just occurred to me. Your proposed woman hunt for me has already failed. They’re all under the influence of the Mawga now.”

  Jane peered through her binoculars. “No worries. We’ll just have to try a different approach, that’s all. Take that brunette on the far corner over there. What do you think of her? Lean, well proportioned, a good skin tone…”

  “Are you suggesting we kidnap a woman for me?”

  “Maybe. I mean, if we’re planning on doing that anyway, why not grab someone that’s useful?”

  Mace laughed. “Useful? We don’t even know if either of us would be interested. I was never one for just going for whatever was available. I’d like to think a woman of similar tastes would be a better fit for me.”

  “Sounds like you’re already making excuses, Mace. And just look at her. We already know she’s a hard worker. And she has a beautiful smile.”

  “That’s a zonked-out smile. Although I’ll have to admit, she does have potential.”

  Jane grinned. “Good, it’s settled, then. We grab her at our first opportunity.”

  Mace chuckled. “Take a look at Johnny’s face. He doesn’t look all too happy right now.”

  “Yeah, and he needs to stop throwing dirty glances our way. He’s the one that volunteered for this.”

  “Wait, there’s a smile. It seems all he needs is a little blond zombie to talk to.”

  Jane sighed. “Let’s just hope his flirting turns into useful information and not a waste of time.”

  Mace pressed. “Wow. She’s grinning ear to ear and fawning all over him. Either he’s a witty talker or she’s really enamored.”

  “If you’re trying to spin me up, it won’t work. Johnny would never stray.”

  Jasper rejoined them on the ridge. “Drunks don’t know anything. Zombies don’t even acknowledge them when confronted. The Mawga just move away. And those angry faces, they were angry because they were out of booze.”

  Jane asked, “And what have they been eating?”

  Jasper replied, “Same as everyone else, the Mawga bars. Maybe Doc Jeff is right. That shine might be an inhibitor.”

  Chapter 15

  *

  On the second day of observation, the Mawga updated the exosuit Johnny wore.

  Jane shook her head. “I can’t tell if he’s grinning because of that suit or if he’s been eating the food.”

  Mace replied, “He’s still chummy with that little blonde. Actually looks like he’s enjoying his volunteer assignment.”

  Jasper commented. “I’d say the Mawga are enjoying it. They’ve been staring at him non-stop for about an hour. Look over to the left. Got three of them gathered in one place now, and they’re all watching him.”

  Jane offered a half frown. “Hadn’t noticed that. Was hoping he’d just blend in with the others.”

  Mace laughed. “Since when has Johnny ever just blended in?”

  A shuttle slipped over their heads, quickly settling on the old football field beside the new construction. Four Mawga soldiers emerged, following a fifth with a bright blue stripe running vertically down the center of his hardened suit. The five headed for Johnny.

  Jane said, “Can’t say I like the looks of this.”

  Mace replied, “That blue stripe, I’ve seen it before. It’s a lower level diplomat. They’re usually the ones who first talk to the community leaders when they’re setting up deliveries, like the food and such.”
>
  Jane offered a worried look. “They’re heading right for him. OK, he’s seen them. And with that reaction we know he’s not been eating their food.”

  The diplomat and the four soldiers who followed him stopped in front of Johnny as he was carrying a steel beam. After setting it down, he was directed toward the shuttle by a hand gesture and bow from the Mawga diplomat.

  Jane shook her head. “Turn them down, Johnny. We can’t help you if they take you away.”

  Johnny glanced toward the ridge with a worried look before turning toward the shuttle. After word from the Mawga, the blond co-worker grinned, grabbing his arm as the two of them walked to the shuttle, the diplomat leading the way.

  Jane said, “OK, you big oaf, don’t get on that ship.”

  Jasper said, “If you want, I can run down there with a message.”

  Mace watched through his binoculars. “The soldiers have sidearms, but I haven’t seen any of them threatening him. I think this is still voluntary.”

  Johnny walked up the ramp into the shuttle, followed by the others. The ramp closed and the shuttle lifted, slipping silently over the hilltops as it headed in an easterly direction.

  Mace said, “If they keep going, that’s toward D.C.”

  Jane stood. “When he gets back I’m going to wring his neck. Flying off in a shuttle was not part of this deal.”

  Mace replied, “If it’s any consolation, they haven’t shown any animosity toward anyone. On my flights with Bontu, the crews were always respectful. Some even seemed excited to be here.”

  Jasper waved his hand as he continued to stare through his binoculars. “Sun’s starting to set. This might be a good time to get that girl. She’s been making treks to that building supply place and back by herself. If you want, I could grab her and bring her back.”

  Jane said, “What are you proposing exactly?”

  Jasper pointed. “What I’m proposing is that I go down there, taser her, and carry her back. Simple as that. The three gray rats have all gone to the north end of the building. She’s all by herself. I can be in and out in a couple minutes��� time.”

  Mace looked over the situation. “I think he’s right. We may not get a better opportunity. And we get one of the exosuits with her.”

  Jane slowly shook her head. “I think it’s a bad idea, guys. We still don’t know if those suits have trackers in them. I think we should wait until we know.”

  Jasper shrugged. “So we leave her tied up in one of these farmhouses out here. If they come get her, we know they can track it. If not, we have our hostage for Doc Jeff’s experiments.”

  Mace took a deep breath. “OK, I say we go with it. But, Jasper, if you see anything at all that looks like they are on to you, or if the taser fails or anything else, just leave. Don’t try to make something happen that’s just not there.”

  “I can do that.”

  A dozen quick steps saw Jasper over the ridge and out of sight.

  Jane turned to Mace with a scowl. “I can’t say I’m happy with this. I’d rather not start anything up while they have Johnny.”

  “Understood, but I don’t think you have anything to worry about in that regard. Johnny went willingly, anything they want him to do will be as a volunteer. Bontu seems to be adamant about stressing that point.”

  Jane replied as she looked for Jasper on the run. “Yeah, well, Bontu’s spouse isn’t out there flying around with some strange aliens, so I’m not really concerned with what he says.”

  Jasper sprinted across the Ronceverte bridge. Seconds later he crossed the ball field and was entering the building supply.

  Mace said, “He doesn’t waste any time with that suit, does he?”

  Jane shook her head quietly without looking up.

  Jasper emerged only seconds later with the girl in his arms. As he sprinted back across the ball field, Mace watched for indications of the Mawga taking notice. Everything seemed normal.

  After a walk up and over the ridge and down to the Jeep, Jane and Mace met up with Jasper and his victim.

  “Where do you want her?”

  Mace said, “How about the Dannely place? They’re gone, and it’s in a direction that’s not toward the cave. And let’s take this suit off her. If she comes to, we don’t want her kicking our asses.”

  The exosuit was removed and thrown in the back of the Jeep.

  Jane nodded. “That Dannely house has a well pump, too. And I’d feel better about taking someone there than back to the cave.”

  A short drive had the three carrying the semi-conscious, and now blindfolded, Ronceverte woman into the abandoned house. The exosuit was carried in and the woman tied to a bed in a back bedroom. Jane and Jasper stood watch as Mace headed back to the cave to get Jeff. He returned with the doctor twenty minutes later.

  “I really wasn’t expecting this. You just grabbed her?”

  Jasper smiled. “That would be me. I tasered her, carried her back, and now she just sits with that frown and won’t say a word.”

  Jeff pulled a chair up beside the bed. “Sorry we had to do this to you, but there really was no other way.”

  The woman remained silent.

  Mace rubbed his beard. “We’re gonna have to leave someone here at all times.”

  Jeff replied, “Well, I’ll need some of my things before I can get started. She looks to be healthy enough. The restraints are tight, but not so much so they cut off circulation. I’d like to go back and mull over what I’ll need here. I can come back first thing in the morning to get started, if someone can take this first shift.”

  “I’ll take it,” said Mace. “And, Jasper, do me a favor. Go back and bring me a jug of that moonshine. I want to test a theory. Jane, I know you want to get back to the ridge. Just don’t stay too late. We can take that watch up again in the morning. You need rest just like we do. Maybe try to be back at the cave by eleven.”

  Jane said, “Well, if I’m not at the cave, I’ll be on the ridge. Not going to rain tonight, so I might just carry a sleeping bag up with me.”

  Jasper said, “I’ll stick with her to see that she’s safe.”

  Jane shook her head. “That skeleton suit sure has changed you. You’re charging in wherever we go and are looking to be involved with every decision.”

  “Just makes me mobile. Not much use in trying to participate when you’re not physically able. Would just slow everything down. And I ain’t never been one for charity. Now, if you want to get back up on that ridge, let’s get moving.”

  Jeff said, “Can you drop me back at the cave?”

  Jane nodded. “Mace, will you be OK here?”

  Mace replied, “Just bring back that jug. I’ll be fine.”

  Jasper entered the room a short time later carrying a fresh jug of the homebrew. He was quickly back out to the Jeep with Jane. The two sped away.

  Mace leaned back in the chair with his arms crossed. “You know, you can talk to me if you’d like, even if it’s to ask what I’m doing, or why we grabbed you. My name’s Mace, by the way. I’m from Norfolk. We’ve been over here in the valley for almost a year now. You from Ronceverte? I like that town and its people. It’s a shame to see what the Mawga are doing to you.”

  Mace poured two small glasses of moonshine. “Now, you don’t look like the drinking type, but I’m afraid over the next few days you’re going to come to like this stuff. Has quite the kick to it. But if consumed in moderation, you won’t get a headache.”

  The woman’s silence burst: “Keep that foul liquid away from me. With the kindness of the Mawga, soon that swill will no longer be available.”

  “Swill? I can assure you this isn’t swill. It’s actually pretty good for a homebrew. If you haven’t had it before, it still might take a little getting used to, but you’ve got the time.”

  The woman said, “Why?”

  Mace raised his eyebrows as he leaned forward. “Why? Now that’s a good question. Why would you give up your free will to an alien race that just showed up
at a most convenient time?”

  “They are here to rescue us, to save us. It’s men like you that led us into this catastrophe. You with your guns and wars and immediate needs. Well, your time is at an end. You can join us as we rebuild or you can get left behind.”

  Mace sat back slowly. “I’ve got a little advice for you… do you have a name?”

  “Nancy Davis.”

  “Good country name. You don’t hear it used much anymore. Anyway, Nancy, that building you’re working so hard on out there, it’s not a community center, it’s a prison. It’s a trick by the Mawga to get everyone in one place where they can control them.”

  Nancy snarled. “And why would they do that? What benefit do they derive from doing that, exactly? If they wanted our resources, they would just take them. They’re far more powerful than we are. Why wouldn’t they just take it all?”

  Mace stroked his beard. “That’s a good question. The Mawga have been very upfront with what they’ve asked. To date, almost everything has been done through volunteering. Only, there’s one important thing they didn’t tell you. Your food, it’s been drugged.”

  Nancy shook her head. “I’ve been eating it for weeks. It hasn’t affected me.”

  “Hasn’t affected you, huh? Well, ask yourself this, would you have volunteered to build some monstrous building a month ago? Is all this manual labor something the old Nancy would do?”

  Before Nancy could answer, Mace pulled one of the newest food bars from a front shirt pocket, placing it on the night stand beside the bed.

  “So, Nancy, have you had your dinner yet?”

  The woman stared intently at the food bar. “No I haven’t. Is that for me?”

  Mace shrugged. “It might be ��� if you cooperate.”

  “If I cooperate? You kidnapped me. You’re holding me here for who knows what reason ��� and you expect cooperation?”

  Mace reached over to the glasses of moonshine on the table. “I���ll tell you what: you down one swig of this and I’ll give you a quarter piece of the food bar. How���s that sound.”

  Nancy scowled. “For what purpose would you want me drunk? I’m already tied up. I can’t stop you from doing anything you want.”